The 2023 Seoul Mobility Show kicked off on the 31st. This bustling auto show features a magnificent array of vehicles from numerous manufacturers, with each brand shining a spotlight on a selected model. <Editor’s Note>

It has finally been revealed: Kia’s large electric SUV, the ‘EV9’. The EV9 is built on Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated electric vehicle platform, E-GMP, making it Kia’s second dedicated electric model following the EV6. The name EV9 is derived from combining ‘EV’, representing Kia’s electric vehicle naming convention, with ‘9’, symbolizing its flagship status.

The front end of the EV9 showcases a digital-pattern lighting grille, small cube projector LED headlights, and star map LED daytime running lights, all contributing to its futuristic appeal. The sides reflect a genuine SUV stance with proportions that underscore the grand presence of a large SUV. The rear end features star map LED rear combination lamps that emphasize its broad stance and create a sense of unity.

The EV9’s second row is the first in the world among EV models to offer choices between a bench seat, a relaxation seat, and standard two-person independent seats. Additionally, a swivel seat that rotates 180 degrees is available, allowing for individualized relaxation during car camping trips.

The EV9 is equipped with a large 99.8 kWh battery, aiming for over 500 km of driving range on a single charge based on South Korea’s Ministry of Environment certification standards. Kia has stated that their internal measurements recorded a distance of 541 km on a single charge using the 19-inch 2WD model.

The EV9 comes in two trims: a 2WD model offering a maximum output of 150 kW (203 horsepower) and peak torque of 350 Nm (35.7 kg.m), and a 4WD model with a maximum output of 283 kW (385 horsepower) and peak torque of 600 Nm (61.2 kg.m). The 4WD model can be upgraded to a maximum torque of 700 Nm (71.4 kg.m) with an optional boost feature.

The EV9 will be on display at KINTEX in Ilsan during the Seoul Mobility Show until April 9th, with an official launch expected in the second quarter. The product lineup will start with 2WD and 4WD models, followed by GT-line variants and a high-performance GT model.

By: Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr